How much does kiteboarding gear cost?

When you're getting into kiteboarding and buying gear, you're investing in your physical and mental health. So, is kitesurfing an expensive hobby? What is the cost of entry into the sport?

Kitesurfing equipment only became widely available in the late 1990s. That said, the wind sport is still living its early days.

Since the turn of the millennium, kite gear evolved and got safer thanks to several technical updates and mechanical developments. However, with the progression in equipment, prices kept relatively stable through time.

The best way to learn how to ride a kite is by taking private lessons or in an officially approved kiteboarding school. Kitesurfing is a fairly demanding wind sport and could be dangerous if you decide to learn by yourself.

When buying your own kitesurfing gear, make sure you ask a seasoned veteran or someone who genuinely loves the sport to accompany you to the surf shop. He or she will know what's best for your riding level and always get a second opinion.

A professional dealer will always demonstrate and let you test the kit or pieces of equipment. In the end, you'll need to know what's right for you in the present, but also look your goals for the near future.

Competition among manufacturers is fierce, and so prices tend to differ little between brands, especially when comparing equipment in the same quality range.

Avoid extremely cheap offers that may put your life at risk, and be careful about second-hand equipment. If you're unsure about which model to choose from, then try to hire a couple of models before making a final decision.

The essential kitesurfing kit includes half-a-dozen pieces and their price range are as follows:

When it comes to kites, the price tag may vary depending on the year of release, the size, the brand, and the type of wing you're interested in. Some brands may sell the kite with a pump; others will make you buy it separately.

The same applies to kiteboards. You'll find boards of all shapes, built with a broad range of materials, and with several riding purposes. Some boards may include a set of foot straps.

Control system often include the flying lines, but you can also buy your favorite set separately. They also feature an adjustable bar, and quick release system and chicken loop.

But you may also need more items to ride the wind with a kite:

Wetsuit: $150 > $400Anemometer: $20 > $200Ear Plugs: $20 > $60

In conclusion, a complete kiteboarding setup will cost you around between $1,800 and $2,200, excluding the always useful wetsuit. One thing is certain: the more recent the model, the more you'll pay for it.

Kite companies release new products every year and, with smaller and bigger tweaks, owning the latest upgrades will definitely cost you extra money.

If you opt for complete kitesurfing packages and bundles for beginner and intermediate riders, you may save several hundreds of dollars, and get it down to around $1,200.

The truth is that kiteboarding can be less expensive than windsurfing, but still four-to-five times more pricey than surfing.